Golden Latte Recipe (Easy Turmeric Milk)
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Sip on this warm, comforting, rich Golden Milk Latte with Turmeric and you’ll get tons of flavor and antioxidants with every taste. It’s a simple recipe that’s quick and easy to make, ready in five minutes, and you only need six ingredients!
There are so many reasons why I love drinking this golden latte with turmeric. It’s creamy, soothing, and will help relax you after a long day. It’s a healthy vegetarian Indian recipe!
My mom used to make this drink for me when I was a kid, and she called it “haldi doodh” – which literally translates to turmeric milk (haldi = turmeric, doodh = milk). Variations of this golden latte are now found in coffee shops all over the world, but this is actually an ancient Indian recipe, used in ayurvedic medicine, and has been been passed down in my family over generations. Not only is it so good for you, it tastes absolutely delicious.
This drink is a nutritional powerhouse because of the turmeric! This gorgeous spice is packed with amazing health benefits. It’s part of a special type of family of herbs called adaptogenic herbs, which help your body adapt to stress. It’s great for your immune system, is a rich source of antioxidants, helps with joint pain, and promotes healthy skin.
Enjoy a small cup of this golden milk turmeric latte as an afternoon pick me up, to relax before bed, as part of your morning ritual, or even to replace your mid-day coffee. It’s super easy to make and is a one-pot recipe!
How To Make This Golden Milk Recipe
Equipment Needed
Ingredients & Notes
Milk: The great thing about this recipe is that it’s super versatile. You any milk of your choice when making golden milk. Traditionally, turmeric milk is made with organic whole or lowfat cow’s milk. But you can use coconut milk, oat milk, hemp milk, unsweetened almond milk, pretty much any milk will work!
Turmeric Powder: The key ingredient for a turmeric latte! I like using organic, ground turmeric better than fresh turmeric root – it has a more potent flavor. A little goes a long way!
Spices: We used ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and ground ginger powder but you can change up the spices however you like! You should always add a dash of black pepper though – it’s essential both for flavor and absorption of the benefits of turmeric (black pepper enhances turmeric absorption by up to 2,000%!) If you want a spicier golden turmeric latte, try a pinch of cayenne pepper as well!
Sweetener: Not necessary, but you can use a little honey, maple syrup or stevia to sweeten if needed!
Step by Step Instructions
Blend! Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat to medium high heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively you can heat it in the microwave too! To take this golden latte recipe to the next level, try using a handheld frother after the milk has been warmed to get that delicious foam on top. It will make you feel like you’ve brought your favorite local cafe to your kitchen!
Serve! Serve hot. Drink and Enjoy!
What Makes This Golden Latte Healthy?
- Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties: One of the main reasons why golden milk has been used for so long and is so popular is because of its antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies have shown that curcumin (which is in turmeric) helps reduce inflammation in the body, has antibacterial/anti-viral properties and can help with overall immunity and autoimmune conditions.
- Mood Booster: There have been many studies that show that drinking golden milk can actually boost your mood. Forget coffee, turmeric milk is so much better for you!
- Low-Calorie: You can enjoy a warm cup of this golden latte and for only 112 calories per serving!
Recipe FAQs
Golden milk is a traditional Indian (South Asian) drink that has been around for centuries. It’s actually called “haldi doodh” which translates directly to “turmeric milk”. All you need is turmeric and milk, but our version adds a few additional spices for even more flavor.
Turmeric milk (or turmeric tea as it’s sometimes called) has been used for all kinds of ailments, including colds, coughs, the flu, fatigue, inflammation, aches/pains, mood, and stress. It was my mom’s go-to solution for everything, which is common in Indian culture!
This drink tastes best hot, but you could also a make an “iced” latte by blending the ingredients and drinking it right after (without warming it on the stove).
This Golden milk latte is suitable to drink any time of the day! You can enjoy it first thing in the morning, as a mid-afternoon pick me up, or anytime you feel like drinking it. There truly aren’t any wrong answers when it comes to this drink. Do what works for you, and you can’t go wrong.
I do recommend making this a daily part of your diet, to get the full health benefits. But if you don’t want to drink it every day, that’s more than fine! Just sip on it when you are feeling under the weather or are in the mood for a cozy drink.
Traditionally, whole milk is used in this recipe. But honestly, any type of cow’s milk (whole, lowfat, skim) or plant based milk (almond, soy, oat, cashew, coconut) will work! If you use plant milk to make this recipe, make sure to use unsweetened plant milk with no carrageenan added.
Turmeric is a slightly bitter, warm, slightly sweet, earthy, peppery spice. It’s really complex in flavor, and simmering it helps bring out its sweetness.
Turmeric lattes (made with just ground turmeric and milk – no sweetener) can be a bit of an acquired taste, like black tea or coffee. But when you add sweeter spices and a dash of honey or maple syrup, it cuts the bitterness and you end up with a drink that closely resembles a chai latte – but is so much better for you!
Honestly, this drink is best when served immediately. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1-2 days. To reheat, I recommend blending it again in a blender and reheating it on the stovetop or microwave until it’s warm!
Yes, most kids will love this golden milk latte. I grew up drinking it, and it became one of my ultimate favorite drinks over the years. It’s relaxing to sip on it when it’s warm, and with the spices, your kids will most likely enjoy every taste of it. I routinely make it for my kids, especially if they have a cold or cough (it’s very soothing for a sore throat!)
If you already eat food with turmeric in it, they are probably accustomed to the flavor. And if not, you can always reduce the spices at first to ease them into it. I don’t think it will take them long to get used to it at all!
Expert Tips For Making The Best Golden Milk Latte
- Adjust the spices to your preferences. You can also add extra cinnamon, ginger, ground cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or anything other warm sweet spices that you love.
- Steer clear of adding any refined sugar. Honey or maple syrup is lovely for adding sweetness, or you can also try adding a drop of organic liquid stevia leaf extract to avoid any added sugar altogether. If you don’t want it to be sweet, you can leave the sugar out too!
- Be sure to blend the ingredients very well. You will have a few grains of the spices in the bottom of the cup, but the better you blend it, the less you will have. To get rid of any spice remnants, you can strain it before drinking.
- For more healthy fats, you can add coconut oil when blending this recipe! The coconut oil will help the turmeric milk froth when it’s cooking, it’ll add a nice richness, help you absorb the healing compounds in this drink, and will keep you fuller longer too.
- If it’s your first time trying this turmeric latte recipe, I’d recommend dialing down the spices slightly and then add more to taste as needed.
- Use any milk you like – if you choose a plant based milk, make sure it is unsweetened.
- To make this golden milk latte recipe vegan friendly, use a plant based milk and maple syrup or stevia instead of honey.
More Delicious Drink Recipes!
- Banana Peach Smoothie
- Spinach Ginger Smoothie with Nutmeg
- Spinach Banana Smoothie with Peanut Butter
- Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
- Witches Brew Cocktail
If you have tried this Golden Latte or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!
Golden Milk Latte (Turmeric Latte)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice I use organic 1% milk, any plant based milk would also work really well
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of ginger powder
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.
- Pour the milk into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Alternatively you can heat it in the microwave too!
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spices to your preferences. You can also add extra cinnamon, ginger, ground cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or anything other warm sweet spices that you love.
- Steer clear of adding any refined sugar. Honey or maple syrup is lovely for adding sweetness, or you can also try adding a drop of organic liquid stevia leaf extract to avoid any added sugar altogether. If you don’t want it to be sweet, you can leave the sugar out too!
- Be sure to blend the ingredients very well. You will have a few grains of the spices in the bottom of the cup, but the better you blend it, the less you will have. To get rid of any spice remnants, you can strain it before drinking.
- For more healthy fats, you can add coconut oil when blending this recipe! The coconut oil will help the turmeric milk froth when it’s cooking, it’ll add a nice richness, help you absorb the healing compounds in this drink, and will keep you fuller longer too.
- If it’s your first time trying this turmeric latte recipe, I’d recommend dialing down the spices slightly and then add more to taste as needed.
- Use any milk you like – if you choose a plant based milk, make sure it is unsweetened.
- To make this golden milk latte recipe vegan friendly, use a plant based milk and maple syrup or stevia instead of honey.
Loved this! Yes, a really nice beverage alternative to coffee or tea after dinner! Thanks so much! I love following your cooking journey! Always on the lookout for healthy meals for my grandchildren 6 and 3 🙂
Yay!! I’m so happy you loved this recipe Joan! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Not only was this quick and delicious, I love all the health benefits as well! Easily, a new favorite drink!
So happy to hear that Sara! 🙂
This looks amazing and I can’t wait to try this drink. I’ve been reading up on turmeric and I didn’t realize it has health benefits. Excited to try this!
Yes!! It’s so good for you! I can’t wait to hear how you like this recipe!
love making this to warm me up on a cold night! thank you!
It really is the best drink for a cold evening! 🙂
This is such a healthy and easy to make drink. Perfect for my kids.
Thanks Veena! So glad you all liked it!
What a great idea and a fun drink! I love the color of this latte.
Thanks Biana! Enjoy!
I could do with this kind of pick me up in my life. It looks delicious.
Yes!! You will love this Dannii!
I have been hearing about all the wonderful health benefits of turmeric but was a little nervous about trying a Golden Milk Latte –However, I am so glad I did. It really was delicious.
I am looking forward to your next recipe post!
Have a Great Day!
Heidy McCallum
Yay! Thanks so much Heidy! I’m so glad you liked it!
I cannot wait to try this – I have been meaning to for quite some time but your recipe just reminded me that I should! It sounds delicious and i love the health benefits.
You totally should! One cup of this a day has completely replaced my afternoon coffee break! 🙂
What a lovely warming drink. I could do with a cup at my desk right now!
Thanks Beth!! This is the perfect drink as we head into the cooler months of fall for sure!
This drink is so delicious. I especially love it hot!
Yess! Me too! Thanks Nart! 🙂
I have heard of golden drink.. but not aware that it is turmeric…Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Of course!! I’m sure you will love it!
I was just wondering, I see you mention Vietnamese cinnamon….I was told to use cinnamon from Ceylon for lowering blood sugar. Also, is Vietnamese cinnamon the same as Saigonese cinnamon?
Hi Michele! Ceylon cinnamon has the lowest Coumarin content of all the types of cinnamon — so it’s commonly used by people who have liver issues (since too much Coumarin can damage the liver). If you’re taking cinnamon therapeutically (e.g. in capsules) – like you mentioned taking it to lower blood sugar – you would be recommended Ceylon because of the coumarin issue – high doses of other types of cinnamon in capsule form would put too stress on your liver. But if you were just using it to flavor food, either Ceylon or Vietnamese cinnamon would work. And yes, Vietnamese cinnamon is the same as Saigon cinnamon 🙂 Hope that helps!
I have been reading so many great things about Turmeric and can’t wait to try this. I also love Frontier spices!
Thanks so much Cindy!! I’m sure you will love this recipe! It’s the perfect drink for relaxing before bedtime!